He was born on November 1, 1934 in Demopolis, Alabama and spent most of his young childhood there until his family moved to Plateau, Alabama. There he graduated from Vigor High School in 1952, Vigor’s first graduating class.
He married his sweetheart, Juanita Ard Chandler in 1955. The young couple started their new life together full of dreams and ambitions. With much hard work and dedication to God and one another, they built a happy homelife and strong family legacy. Not one day passed in all the years without Leroy telling Juanita that he loved her.
He accepted Jesus as his savior at an early age and lived his life reflecting joy.
He was an active member of Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church since 1957 and loved his church family and Foster’s Sunday School class.
While working at International Paper Co. for 37 years, Leroy also owned a chicken farm and grocery store for a short time. He bought and developed land providing a wonderful country life and great memories for his family. One of his greatest accomplishments was the developing of Kalifield Gated Community. He was a self made man with a selfless heart.
In Paw Paw’s lifetime he wrestled a Great Horned Owl that was attacking his chickens and also wrestled an alligator on one of his many “swampman” fishing excursions with his grandchildren. Those were eye witness accounts. He told many amazing stories of great adventures that were believed as fact but may have been combined with a little fiction as well. He was very entertaining and had a unique way of lightening up the room when he was around. He taught his children and grandchildren a love for nature and God.
Paw Paw was loved by everyone who met him. He will be remembered by his quick wit, kind heart, sense of humor and most of all as a loving husband, father, Paw Paw, uncle and friend to many. He was a man who loved God, his family, and his country.
Leroy is survived by his wife, Juanita Ard Chandler; daughter Tammy Chandler Lane and her husband Jack Lane, of Jackson, Mississippi. Sons, Ty and Scott Chandler, both of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Grandchildren, Adam Chandler Lane (Cayce Ann), Whitney Lane Sephton (Kyle), and Austin Clinton Lane (Hannah) who all live in Mississippi. Also Victoria Nichole Chandler of Mobile and Aaron Ezekiel Chandler, Chaz Hunter Chandler (Angel), Ciera Taylor Chandler, Madison Hunter Chandler, all of Florida. Great grandchildren, Hyacinth, Ellie, Greyson, Paxton, Nevaeh, Buddy, Zeva, Boaz in Mississippi and Florida, beloved sister-in-laws Shirley Colburn and Gloria Woitt, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many who loved him and called him Paw Paw, Uncle and friend.
He is preceded in death by his parents Albert Clinton Chandler and Ilda Emmaline Coats Chandler, Siblings; Louise Chandler Hammons, Albert Chandler, Bailey Chandler, Marshall Chandler, Lewis Chandler, and Mary Chandler Kasparek. Nephews: Billy Coats and Dr. James Coats and great granddaughter Zelanah Chandler.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Adam Lane, Kyle Sephton, Aaron Chandler, Chaz Chandler, and Austin Lane and nephew Eric Chandler. His granddaughters, Whitney Lane Sephton, Victoria Chandler, Ciera Chandler and Madison Chandler, Cayce Ann Lane, Hannah Lane, & Angel Chandler will be honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers please contributions to:
Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church Missions fund
401 Shelton Beach Road
Saralalnd, Al. 36571
Condolences may be offered online at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
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